(NewsNation) — Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell was the subject of a scathing "pre-obituary" by his hometown newspaper. Joseph Gerth, a columnist for the Louisville Courier Journal, published a piece reflecting on the 84-year-old's career even though McConnell is still alive. The piece was highly critical, saying McConnell dismantled civil rights protections he once advocated and enabled President Donald Trump. His condition gained national attention after his office went nearly a month without updating the public on his status. Gerth noted the idea behind the McConnell piece was prompted by the death of longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, earlier this month.